Fatal Shooting Victim Was At Bar To Watch Son’s Band Play

DENVER (CBS4) – The man accused of shooting and killing a man near the intersection of 11th Avenue and Lincoln Street early Sunday morning made his first appearance in court Monday morning.

Marvin Joel Rosario-Lopez, 24, is facing murder charges for the death of Aurora resident Ronald Smith, 47, a father of two.

Ronald Smith’s son says he, his father, and his brother were all at The Hive, a bar at 11th and Lincoln, to hear his band play. Dru Smith said his father had never seen him perform before so it was a special night.

Some fights then began to break out just after 1 a.m. Several people moved outside into the street and started fighting with each other. Police said the suspect then pulled out a gun and shot Ronald Smith.

Ronald Smith’s other son, Devin Smith, was also badly beaten. He had surgery Sunday for his injuries but is now home resting. Both sons are still trying to figure out why it happened.

“Right now we don’t know, there are so many different stories. Seeing what the truth is, that’s why we’re here right now,” Dru Smith said. “Senseless. All my daddy was doing was to come see me do what I love doing in life. Someone had to take him from us. But at least he got to see my dream before he went home.”

Rosario-Lopez is being held without bond. He has a long list of felony charges all related to drugs.